Ukraine Calls Jeddah Talks Positive, Russia Criticizes It As A Failed Effort

JAKARTA - Ukraine said the meeting, which was attended by representatives of dozens of countries to discuss conflicts with Russia in Saudi Arabia, was very productive, while Moscow criticized the event.

More than 40 countries, including the United States, China, India and European countries, attended talks over the weekend, but were not attended by representatives of Russia.

Ukraine and its allies called the talks an attempt to gain broad international support against Kyiv's desired principles as the basis for peace, including the withdrawal of all Russian troops and the return of all Ukrainian territory into control.

Speaking of the meeting held in Jeddah, Ukraine's Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, said in a statement: "We are conducting very productive consultations on the main principles that form the basis of fair and lasting peace," Reuters reported on August 7.

"There are several different opinions, but all participants emphasize their country's commitment to peace principles, as well as the United Nations Charter, international law, respect for the country's sovereignty and their territorial integrity that cannot be contested," Yermak said, citing the Saudi Gazette.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by state media on Sunday as saying, "the meeting was a reflection of Western efforts to continue in vain efforts and failed to mobilize the Southern states behind President Zelensky".

The meeting, which was attended by national security advisers and representatives of the foreign ministry and UN representatives, was led by Saudi Arabia's National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban.

This is a follow-up meeting of the humanitarian initiatives and efforts that have been carried out by the Crown Prince and Saudi Arabian Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman since March 2022.

Saudi Arabia's media ministry said participants had agreed on the importance of continuing consultations to pave the way for peace.

Meanwhile, European officials said participants plan to form working groups to address specific issues arising from war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the occasion he wanted a global meeting to be held based on these principles later this year, in order to support a settlement to end the war, particularly the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the full withdrawal of Russian troops, ensuring food and energy security, nuclear security and the release of all prisoners.